Spring has finally come to Boston: here are ten patios and roof decks where you can drink al fresco

Oh hai Spring, there you are. We sort of felt like you’d been avoiding us for awhile. Called your cell, and it went straight to voicemail. Heard you were hanging around with some hussies from out of town. But you’re here now, and that’s all that matters. We totally forgive you for giving us the cold (so, so cold) shoulder this past month because the minute you come around, we just feel all warm and happy and better about life in general. Damn, you know how to play it, Spring. And while we know we really should be playing hard to get, we're just way too excited that it might actually be getting balmy around these parts. Which is why we went ahead and rounded up some of our favorite places in this town to eat and booze alfresco. Which are basically our two favorite things to do alfresco.

Oh hai Spring, there you are. We sort of felt like you’d been avoiding us for awhile. Called your cell, and it went straight to voicemail. Heard you were hanging around with some hussies from out of town. But you’re here now, and that’s all that matters. We totally forgive you for giving us the cold (so, so cold) shoulder this past month because the minute you come around, we just feel all warm and happy and better about life in general. Damn, you know how to play it, Spring.

And while we know we really should be playing hard to get, we're just way too excited that it might actually be getting balmy around these parts. Which is why we went ahead and rounded up some of our favorite places in this town to eat and booze al fresco. Which are basically our two favorite things to do al fresco.

The SinclairIt might be jumping the gun to call this one of our favorites, as the Harvard Square restaurant/music venue just unveiled their brand new patio — which, according to Grub Street, has “seating made from “teak-like tropical hardwood,” with lots of twinkly lights” — two days ago. But judging from what we’ve seen from the Sinclair already (slammin’ cocktails, those delicious deviled eggs, uhh mimosa flights with brunch) we have a feeling this patio is going to be seeing some serious action this season. (Pour one out for our homie Tavern on the Water — the no-defunct Charlestown waterfront restaurant would have topped this list.)

DaedalusAlways a safe bet (if you get there earlier enough to beat the crowds). Daedalus’s roof deck seating is prime real estate for Cambridge folks who like to eat and drink tasty things in the sun.

The RattlesnakeIf you’re looking for outdoor hanging across the river, Brian Poe’s Boylston Street joint will do the trick. Just be prepared to wait on a line during rush hours because table seating on their roof deck is pretty competitive. (You might also try to snag a stool at their outdoor bar.)

The LandingIf you don't mind battling for bar space with the hordes of thirsty after-work bros that crowd this waterfront patio like it’s having a fire sale on Vineyard Vines, you’ll be rewarded when you find yourself face deep in one of their enormous fishbowl cocktails.

Tia’sRight down the dock from the Landing this after work meat market is a similar bro-magnet but offers more seating options. But less fishbowls.

Deep EllumIf you’re in Allston, the only patio you need to know about is this one. Like most outdoor drinking spots in this town/on this list, tables are limited but it’s totally worth it to wait it out. Cozy, twinkling lights for atmosphere, killer cocktail and craft beer lists. You’re all set. Plus, you can hop over to the Model for dirt cheap PBRs once the sun goes down and you're feeling chilly.

The FieldThe Central Square pub’s back patio is no-frills but it’s one of our favorite places to sit awhile and drink an icy cold pint or five. Gets great sunlight too, if you get there early enough.

Eastern StandardSure, the views aren't tremendous (unless watching packs of drunk Sox fans stumbling towards the T is your idea of a good view) but we'll still frequent ES's patio for delicious bar bites and an impressive cocktail menu. Plus, okay, the people watching can be amusing.

Charlie’s Beer GardenCharlie’s Kitchen’s beer garden is big enough to accommodate crowds and is one of the chiller open air boozing locales on this list. Head over here if the Sinclair’s new patio is at capacity...or you just want to throw back some beers with your buds.

Atlantic Beer GardenYou really can't go wrong with any place that has the words "beer" and "garden" in their name. And the outdoor seating is great here...if you can get it. Unfortunately, ABG’s upper deck is swarmed by sun-seeking tourists, most days. if you don’t feel like waiting out the line, try Whiskey Priest next door (tends to be ever-so-slightly less crowded) or Legal Test Kitchen down the street.

Have a favorite patio or out-of-the-way outdoor spot we missed? Let us know in the comments – this is a list that can never be too long. Never.